Universal Credit and backpacker hostel

Hi

Homeless client with a Universal Credit claim has found himself backbacker accommodation, its just a regular private hostel with no support. He has a bed in a dorm which he can have access to all day. Can he claim UC housing cost for this type of accommodation?

Schedule 1 para 2 of UC Regs says rent payments can include payments that give permission to occupy accommodation and it doesn’t seem to be covered by payments excluded - para 3 - so I’m thinking yes

Thanks Daphne.

I should have said subject to limitations under LHA - hopefully not too expensive a hostel

He’ll also still need to be resident on the last day of his assessment period to be treated as having a rent liability.  Maybe worth checking the hostel will allow him to keep living there until this date, otherwise he won’t get any housing costs element.